The name Helliwell has been synonymous with funeral directing around Pendle for many years. The firm of Helliwell was founded in 1924 by a young Helliwell and was well-known in earlier days not only in Pendle but throughout the North of England for its coaches and 'charas' especially during the summer wakes weeks.

Helliwells originally were textile manufacturers but in the 1920's branched out into motor coaches and taxis, while Joseph Helliwell, the son of Young, commenced as a Funeral Director working from the front room of a house in Dover street, Nelson. Then as business increased moved to premises in Bradley Fold, off Bradley Road, Nelson.

Also early in 1964, William Robert (Bob) Stott, a well-known and respected businessman who founded a joinery business which became the nationally known firm of Stotts Shopfitters. He had also had connections with undertaking all his working life.

By 1970, Mr. W. R. Stott had acquired the Helliwell name and brought the two companies together under one roof in an old Baptist Chapel in Elizabeth Street, Nelson, where they continued to expand, under the name Helliwell-Stott.

On the 28th March 1996, W.M. Hodgson & Son joined Helliwells. Originally Joiners and Funeral Director, they were founded in 1926 by William Hodgson, and were based in Colne on Byron Road, then Stanley Street until 1996 when son Stephen Hodgson retired from joinery but carried on arranging funerals from Stott House, Colne.